Gunnedah youngsters will soon be able to enjoy some messy fun with a $19,935 grant.
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The federal government's Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) Round 4 has delivered $18.8 million in grant funding for the electorate of Parkes, with Toy Libraries Australia to deliver one of seven Messy Play Days to Gunnedah.
Messy play is important for children's development and supports language development, cognitive growth, motor skills, and social interaction.
Parkes MP Mark Coulton said the $207 million round of the BBRF was dedicated to helping communities hardest hit by the drought.
"[It] is about unlocking the outstanding economic potential we have right here in the Parkes electorate," Mr Coulton said.
"BBRF is all about strengthening the local economy, and delivering lasting benefits to our local communities which we know are suffering the flow-on impacts of drought.
"We have secured more than $18.8 million for local projects in the Parkes electorate, which will make an enormous difference to these communities."
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Mr Coulton said communities in his electorate have had great success in previous rounds of BBRF.
"Our region has already benefited from $9.5 million for the Australian Opal Centre at Lightning Ridge, $2.6 million for the Curlewis Pipeline, $371,000 for the YMCA at Broken Hill, and many others - all funded under the BBRF," he said.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this funding injection came at a critical time for communities.
"Regional Australians have endured the devastating effects of a prolonged drought which has affected communities across the country for many years," Mr McCormack said.
"In addition, regional Australia has withstood one of the most devastating bushfire seasons, floods and now a global pandemic - to say they've been hit hard in recent times, is an understatement.
"BBRF projects strengthen our local economies and drive much-needed local procurement, with thousands of jobs expected to be supported throughout regional Australia - delivering career pathways and enabling people to stay in the very communities they grew up in."
For a full list of successful projects, visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf